Printer Reverse Redirector for Virtual-to-Physical Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users at remote offices experience prolonged print delays due to low bandwidth network connections between virtual machines and local printers, as existing solutions only allow printer redirection from physical to virtual machines, not vice versa.

Innovation Solution

Systems and methods for redirecting printers from a virtual computing device to a physical computing device by initiating a printing application, exporting printer configurations, storing them as a data file, copying and importing it on the physical device, and compressing print jobs for efficient routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If printer redirection is implemented from physical machine to virtual machine, then printing capability is provided, but print delays occur due to low bandwidth network connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidprint delays

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional printer redirection approach by redirecting printers from the virtual machine to the physical machine instead of from physical to virtual. This reversal allows the physical machine with adequate local resources to handle printing operations, eliminating network bandwidth constraints and print delays while maintaining printing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing printer redirection solutions are used, then printing is enabled, but reverse printer mapping from virtual machine to physical machine is not allowed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting functionalityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements reverse printer mapping by inverting the conventional redirection direction. Instead of allowing only physical-to-virtual printer redirection, the system enables virtual-to-physical redirection through registry key export and import mechanisms, thereby increasing adaptability while managing complexity through automated configuration processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying mechanisms to transfer printer configuration data between virtual and physical machines. Registry keys representing printer configurations are exported from the virtual machine, copied to the physical machine, and imported there, enabling reverse mapping without requiring complex real-time synchronization or additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If print jobs are transmitted over low bandwidth network connections, then printing is achieved, but prolonged delays impact user productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser productivityVSAvoidprint delays

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the printer redirection direction to virtual-to-physical, the patent enables print jobs to be processed locally on the physical machine rather than being transmitted over the network to remote printers. This eliminates network bandwidth constraints and prolonged delays, thereby improving user productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the physical machine as an intermediary between the virtual machine and local printers. The physical machine receives printer configuration data from the virtual machine and handles print job processing locally, acting as a mediator that bypasses network bandwidth limitations and reduces print delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11573747B2Systems and methods for a printer reverse redirector

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 FMR CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for redirecting one or more printers from a virtual computing device to a physical computing device. The method includes initiating a printing application on a virtual computing device and exporting at least one printer configuration. The at least one printer configuration corresponds to one or more printers communicatively coupled to a physical computing device. The method also includes storing the at least one printer configuration to a data file on the virtual computing device and copying the data file from the virtual computing device to the physical computing device. The method further includes invoking the data file on the physical computing device such that the at least one printer configuration is imported on the physical computing device. The method also includes generating for display on the virtual computing device at least one indication of the one or more printers communicatively coupled to the physical computing device.